Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. (BIVI), a global leader in the animal health industry, formally opened its new state-of-the-art research center located at the Iowa State University Research Park in Ames, Iowa.

The 52,000 sq. ft. building is dedicated entirely to research and development. The unique design was created in consultation with the group of BIVI scientists who will work in the new laboratories.

“This new building allows our scientists to continue to conduct the innovative research that has already resulted in groundbreaking medicines such as Bronchi-Shield ORAL, the first oral bordetella vaccine for dogs, and Ingelvac CircoFLEX, a revolutionary vaccine for the prevention of PCV2 in swine,” said Dr. Albrecht Kissel, BIVI president and chief executive officer. “We are pleased to continue our relationship with Iowa State University as well as local and state leadership and to be part of this community, which is considered to be the epicenter for animal health research in the country.”

The $22 million research center features an open concept designed for collaboration and interaction among scientists. The first floor is comprised of almost 30,000 sq. ft. of laboratory space, and the second floor houses work space and conference rooms. The labs are designed to facilitate a cohesive flow from one area to another. The scientists specifically requested natural light, and both floors accommodate this with large windows in the labs and glass walls in the office areas. The second floor includes meeting spaces ranging from small conclave areas for one or two people to a videoconference area, a dining space and a large conference room cantilevered over the building’s lobby.

The space has the potential to accommodate more than 100 scientists conducting research in BIVI's five target areas: swine, cattle, equines, canines and felines.

“This building is unique in that it was specifically designed with a natural flow of bio-containment. The design moves from the (cleanest) area through to the most contaminated areas,” said Dr. Mike Roof, executive director of biologics research and development and head of the research center. “We have designated molecular areas, designated areas for clean cells, virus and microbiology, as well as some very special pocket labs. The large labs at each end are very open. They are both functional in terms of shared equipment and communication and also reflect the collaboration theme we have at this site.”

BIVI is the fifth-largest animal health company in the U.S. and produces vaccine and pharmaceutical products for the prevention and treatment of diseases in the swine, cattle, equine and companion animal markets. BIVI is the U.S. subsidiary of the global Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health GmbH. Its U.S. headquarters are located within the KC Animal Health Corridor in St. Joseph, Mo., with other locations in Ames, Ft. Dodge and Sioux Center, Iowa.